Problems In School Children Research Articles

Oral issues and childhood stress in eight-to-ten-year-old schoolchildren: a case-control study.

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether oral problems, harmful oral habits, and sociodemographic factors are associated with the occurrence of stress in schoolchildren. A case-control study nested within a cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 375 schoolchildren eight to ten years of age in the city of Diamantina, Brazil. The case group (with childhood stress) and control group (without childhood stress) were matched for age and sex at a 1:4 ratio (75 cases to 300 controls). Data collection involved the self-administration of a questionnaire by parents/caregivers addressing sociodemographic characteristics and the child's history of harmful oral habits. The children answered the Child Stress Scale (CSS) and underwent a clinical oral examination to determine the presence/absence of dental caries, malocclusion, and traumatic dental injuries. Data analysis involved the calculation of frequencies, the chi-square test, and conditional logistic regression (95% CI; p ≤ 0.05). The final adjusted conditional logistic regression model showed that dental caries (OR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.01 - 3.14, p = 0.044) and biting objects (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.02 - 3.22, p = 0.041) remained associated with stress in the schoolchildren analysed. The present results showed that children with dental caries and the habit of biting objects were more likely to have childhood stress. The study allows paediatric dentists to expand their knowledge with regards to the influence of oral problems and harmful habits on the occurrence of childhood stress and serves as a guide for decision-making related to oral problems in schoolchildren.

A New Hybrid Optimization Algorithm to Solve the Clustering Problem

: This paper presents a novel hybrid technique, merging the K-means algorithm with Genetic Algorithm (GA), aiming to enhance clustering performance. This approach leverages the strengths of both algorithms, enabling improved cluster generation by overcoming individual algorithmic limitations. The GA-KM algorithm is introduced to aid K-means in avoiding local optima, with GA exhibiting proficiency in determining optimal cluster initialization and parameter optimization. The focus is on developing a GA-based algorithm for generating high-quality clusters efficiently. Notably, the research explores the application of this hybrid approach to address issues in the educational domain, specifically for out-of-school children. The fitness function in GA is tailored to the problem area, emphasizing the need for an appropriate system to study and address school children's problems. The research proposes a hybrid algorithm (KM-GA-NM-PSO) that amalgamates the best features of existing algorithms, thereby overcoming individual limitations and promising superior results. This hybridization is expected to yield high-quality clusters with minimal function evaluations, outperforming other methods by producing clusters with small standard deviations on selected datasets. The proposed approach, combining KM, GA, NM, and PSO algorithms, demonstrates improved data clustering quality and algorithmic efficiency.

The link between smart device use and ADHD—how can reading and physical activity make a difference?

Abstract Background Attention deficit and hyperkinetic disorders (ADHD) lead to poor academic performance and relationship problems in schoolchildren. While improper use of smart devices was found to have a negative impact on children's attention and behavior, few studies used a computerized self-administered scale for children to assess suspected ADHD more accurately. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate impact of weekend smart device usage on ADHD and child behavior, as well as the moderating effect of children's reading habits and activity levels. Methods A total of 137 students aged 6-8 in Taiwan participated in this study between Dec 2022 and Mar 2023. Data was collected through the self-reported instruments of Child Behavior Checklist for Ages 6-18 to assess behavior and an online questionnaire to gauge smart device usage by parents. The Computerized Attention Diagnostic Assessment (CADA) was conducted by children to evaluate their attention performance. Multiple linear regression was used for analysis. Results After adjusting for potential confounders in a stratified analysis, we found that among children with less physical activities, higher smart device usage was associated with more anxious/depressed (β = 8.40, p < 0.01), social problems (β = 6.48, p = 0.01), and thought problems (β = 6.43, p = 0.02), while among those with higher activities, higher device usage was associated with better picture attention scores (β = 5.67, p = 0.0237). Meanwhile, children who don't read habitually, higher smart device usage was associated with more somatic complaints (β = 3.31, p = 0.0235). Conclusions We highlighted the modifying effects of reading and physical activities on the link between smart device usage and attention and behavioral problems. In this digital age, it is imperative to provide parents with guidance on how to encourage reading and physical activities to help children mitigate the negative impact of smart device usage, including attention deficit and emotional problems. Key messages • High device usage in inactive or non-reading children is linked to behavioral problems like anxiety, social issues, and somatic complaints. • Promoting physical activities and reading can mitigate negative effects of device usage, highlighting the need for parental guidance in the digital age.

Health Education Media Through Mandarin Language Posters in Increasing Knowledge and Local Food Consumption of Chinese Ethnic Children

Nutritional problems in schoolchildren are often associated with food consumption patterns and behaviors at home and at school. Singkawang City has a variety of diversity, including ethnicity, one of which is ethnic Chinese. The culture of eating plays an important role because eating is seen as a family unifier as well as a clan unit (social structure) that affects the economic unity of the family. Increase a person's knowledge to get behavior changed by providing information about nutrition education through posters in Mandarin. This study aims to determine the effect of Chinese posters on the knowledge and consumption of local food of ethnic Chinese children at Asoka Elementary School, Bahussuta Foundation, Singkawang City. This research is a pre-experimental study with a one-group pre-test and post-test design and the purposeful sampling method. The sample of this study amounted to 26 4th grade students of Asoka Elementary School, aged 9–12 years. The instrument used was the Mandarin food poster instrument. Data collection was done by interview using a questionnaire and a 24-hour food recall form. The results showed that the average difference in knowledge before and after was 20.04, and the average difference in energy consumption (kcal) before and after was 203.09 kcal. There was an effect of knowledge (p = 0.000) and local food consumption before and after being given Chinese posters (p = 0.000). The conclusion is that there is an influence on knowledge and energy consumption (kcal) of local foods before and after being given posters in Mandarin.

How able did newly qualified teachers in England feel to support pupils’ mental health in the late stages of COVID 19? A qualitative study of teacher perceptions

ABSTRACT The prevalence of mental health problems in school children has grown, especially during the pandemic, detrimentally impacting the lives of those affected. In the UK, primary school teachers and schools are well-placed to spot and support pupil mental health. This preliminary research completed during the first part of the COVID-19 pandemic, addresses a gap in the literature to understand whether primary school teachers feel they have personal and professional resources to manage and support pupil mental health. Six recently qualified primary school teachers took part in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis of these data generated three themes (a) The impact of school on pupil mental health (b) Where does the expertise lie? and (c) School approaches to mental health. The themes show that teachers varied in how prepared they felt to support pupil mental health and this was related to a degree to the way in which their school approached mental health support. Our participants felt well-placed to support pupils’ mental health but also concerned about their ability to do so. These findings and the suggestions for change from our participants have clear implications for how teachers can be better enabled to support pupil mental health during and beyond COVID-19.

Prevalence and Related Factors for Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Obese Students

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs with the pathological accumulation of fat in the liver and is one of the most common liver disorders worldwide among adults and even children. Obesity is a risk factor for NAFLD. Objectives: Considering the increasing prevalence of obesity in Iran and worldwide, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of NAFLD and its related factors in overweight and obese students of schools in Tehran, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 115 overweight and obese students [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25] with an age range of 7 - 17 years. Eligible individuals were classified into two groups with and without NAFLD. Liver ultrasonography and measurement of serum parameters, including fasting blood sugar, lipid profile, and liver enzymes, were performed. Next, the demographic and anthropometric characteristics were compared between the two groups. Results: Out of 115 studied students, 71 subjects were boys (61.7%). The results showed that the mean BMI in patients with fatty liver was significantly higher than in individuals without fatty liver (P = 0.03). According to our findings, the mean total cholesterol in NAFLD patients was significantly higher than in the group without NAFLD (P = 0.008). The univariate logistic regression model results for measuring factors related to fatty liver in students showed a significant positive correlation between male gender, BMI, total cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase. Conclusions: NAFLD is a substantial problem in school children and correlates with elevated BMI. Therefore, the measurement of BMI can be used as a useful predictor and screening tool for NAFLD in school children.

Prevalence of specific learning disorders in school children in a South Indian city

Abstract Background: Specific learning disorders (SLDs) are an important cause of academic problems in school children mandating assessment and remediation. Aim: To document the psychosocial profile and prevalence of SLDs in school children. Materials and Methods: A total of 981 children studying in 3rd to 5th standard were screened for the presence of SLDs in a stepwise approach after taking permission from school authorities and consent from parents. Raven’s Progressive Matrices, Malins Intelligence Scale, and NIMHANS SLD Index were used for assessment. Statistical analysis was performed using Epi info software. Results: The prevalence of SLDs was found to be 6.1% (n = 60). Dyslexia was the most common SLD (n = 38; 63%) followed by combined type (n = 28; 46%). A significant association was found between consanguinity (P = 0.02) and delayed milestones (P = 0.02). Conclusion: There is a need for creating the awareness among parents and teachers regarding SLDs and to screen children for the early identification and remediation.

Association between indicators of physical fitness and body weight status in high school students

Introduction: the components of physical fitness have become very important to determine health problems in schoolchildren. Objective: to analyze the association between physical condition indicators (PCIs), body weight status, and metabolic risk in high school students. Methods: a cross-sectional study where 531 schoolchildren were evaluated - 271 women (51 %) and 260 men (49 %) between 11 and 15 years old. The Alpha Fitness battery was used to analyze PCIs and the Pacer test to estimate VO2max; waist circumference (WC) was measured as an indicator of obesity and metabolic risk. The students were classified according to their BMI and WC. Results: PCIs showed a poor performance in all schoolchildren in the variables of flexibility (81 %), sit-ups (97.7 %), push-ups (95.3 %), speed (99.2 %) and VO2max (64.8 %). Obese schoolchildren have significantly lower performance in flexibility, strength and speed (< 0.001) when compared to non-obese schoolchildren. On the other hand, there is a negative relationship between WC as indicator of metabolic risk and flexibility, sit-ups, and push-ups. Men are at higher metabolic risk than women. Conclusions: the relationship between HCI and obesity shows that schoolchildren with higher BMI and higher metabolic risk are those with lower performance. That is why educational policies should focus on improving the components of physical fitness to reduce obesity and metabolic risk in schoolchildren.

ANALYSIS OF DENTAL EROSION IN LOCAL SCHOOL CHILDREN

Introduction : Tooth wear has recognized a major problem in both children and adults for many years, which includes the triad of erosion, attrition, and abrasion, but the contribution of erosion to tooth wear is increasing. There is a limited literature with regard to the prevalence of dental erosion in school going children. Hence, this study was undertaken to assess the prevalence and severity of erosive tooth wear in local school going children. The present Cross Se Methods: ctional analytical study is carried out on 100 subjects. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was designed to estimate the prevalence and severity of dental erosion in one year duration in 10- 12-year old local school children of the city. The schoolchildren were clinically examined as per the American Dental Association Type 3 criteria using mouth mirrors while seated on the chair under natural light. The four upper incisors were examined A total of 32 children had Results: dental erosion. A signicant association was recorded between the intake of fruit juice &amp; Consumption of Carbonated Drinks (P &lt; 0.05*) and occurrence of dental erosion. The frequency of erosion (35.5%) observed in maxillary central incisors was high when compared to maxillary lateral incisors (7%). The predominance of erosion sites on the labial surfaces was noted for both the maxillary central and lateral incisors.Matt appearance of the enamel was the most prevalent type of dental erosion (23.4% for central incisors and 7.9% for lateral incisors) The surface area affected by erosion was 26.25% for central incisors and 4.83% for lateral incisors. Dent Conclusions : al erosion among 10-12-year old children was found to be 32%. It provides evidence that dental erosion is becoming a signicant problem in schoolchildren. In this study, labial surfaces were the most affected and matt appearance of the enamel was the most prevalent type of dental erosion. In most of the involved cases, more than half of their surfaces were diagnosed as affected by erosion, which is frequently associated with the increased consumption of fruit juices and carbonated beverages.

Conversation difficulties rather than language deficits are linked to emotional problems in school children with hearing loss

BackgroundSocial communication difficulties are often associated with neurodevelopmental disorders such as language disorder, intellectual development disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder, which impedes the investigation of the specific role of social communication problems in mental health outcomes.AimsWe investigated the association between conversation difficulties and increased risk of mental health problems in schoolchildren with hearing loss. It can be assumed of this sample that conversation difficulties are primarily due to limited auditory access to language rather than neurobiological deficits.MethodsFive complete birth cohorts of Carinthian children (n = 53) with significant hearing loss and an intelligence quotient over 70 were assessed in terms of language abilities in standardized tests and in terms of their conversation skills by use of a short teacher checklist developed by the authors. Mental health problems were assessed by means of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire by parents and teachers.ResultsConversation deficits were significantly correlated with lower SDQ emotional problems and total problem scores as rated by parents and lower peer problems scores as rated by teachers. Controlling for degree of hearing loss, maternal education and language skills, confirmed the specific value of conversation skills as a predictor of emotional problems (p = 0.010).ConclusionWith regard to mental health, our results suggest a focus on the assessment of conversation skills in addition to language abilities.

Promosi Kesehatan dengan Media Power Point dan Film Animasi Pendek dalam Upaya Pemeliharaan Kesehatan Gigi dan Mulut

Introduction: Oral and dental health is important in the life of every individual, including children, because damaged and untreated teeth will cause pain, and mastication disorders and can interfere with other body health. One of the most common dental health problems in children is dental caries. Dental disease is a very disturbing problem in school children because it not only causes pain but also transmits infections to other parts of the body, resulting in decreased productivity. This condition will certainly reduce the frequency of children's attendance at school, interfere with learning concentration, and affect appetite and food intake so that it can affect nutritional status. Objectives: To find out how the students of TPA Miftahul Jannah, Kota Depok in 2021 know about dental and oral health, determine priority issues and carry out effective health promotion. Method: This research is a study to find out the problem points in dental and oral health and carry out appropriate health promotion. The population in this study were TPA Miftahul Jannah students, Depok City in 2021 with a sampling technique, namely a total sampling of 30 respondents. The data collection used is the researcher's interview with the interview question sheet to the respondents. Determination of priority problems using the Criteria Matrix Technique. Results: Results Based on research from 30 respondents from Miftahul Jannah TPA students in Depok-West Java, as many as 16 respondents (53.3%) had never checked their teeth every 6 months for the last 1 month. This is due to a lack of knowledge about the importance of maintaining dental and oral health. Conclusion: It was concluded that the priority problem point was never having a dental check-up every 6 months related to oral health maintenance. So the health promotion that the researchers did was the use of powerpoint slides and videos to effectively increase respondents' knowledge, which was marked by increased motivation and behavior to maintain dental hygiene.

Improvement of Students and Snack Vendors Behavior After Received Health Promotion Program from UKS’s Cadres

Background: School Health Program or UKS aims to improve students learning achievement by improving their health status including the fulfillment of nutrition so that they can grow and develop optimally. The nutritional problems of school-age children in Indonesia, according to Riskesdas 2018 data, are children with the short/stunting category reaching 30.7%, while those who are obese are 8% and anemic 26%. Nutritional problems in school children will affect the quality of human resources in the future. Objectives: This study examined the effect of promoting healthy and safe snacks by UKS’s cadres on increasing knowledge, attitudes, behavior of students and snack sellers.Materials and Methods: The first stage of research was training elementary school students UKS’s cadres who will become educators on promoting healthy and safe food consumption behavior. The second stage was assessed to 360 randomly selected students and 94 school vendors in 12 different schools. The intervention schools received a package of promotions delivered by UKS’s cadres while the comparison group received the poster. Data on knowledge, attitudes, behavior of students and food sellers were collected using a questionnaire instrument. The data were collected by the researchers assisted by 12 enumerators, 6 research field assistants and 12 teachers in charge of the research field. Bivariate analysis using t-test, Wilcoxon test, and Mann Whitney test were used to assess the differences between the groups. Results: After intervention by UKS.s cadres, there was a change in students' knowledge of 51.1% for knowledge of healthy snacks, 52.8% about safe snacks, 82.8% about formalin, 62.8% about borax, and 75.6% about Rhodamine B. Changes in the behavior of snack sellers, the highest percentage of changes in holding food with tools is 62.5% and not holding food after holding money is 54.2%. Increased change were significantly higher in the intervention groups than the comparison group (p &lt;0.05).Conclusion: The UKS’s cadres as trained peer-educators could significantly improve safe and healthy food behavior of students as well as knowledge of snack school vendors. UKS’s cadres as promoters of healthy and safe snacks can be used as a mandatory UKS program in school to achieve food safety for school children

Religion Involvement and Substance Use Problems in Schoolchildren in Northern Chile

(1) Background: Religious involvement and spirituality have proven to be sources of well-being for individuals at different moments in life and are also associated with a decrease in depression, anxiety, and substance use. Therefore, these could be protective factors against stressful conditions and contribute to mental health. The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship between religious involvement and substance use among students in northern Chile. (2) Methods: The design is retrospective ex post facto with only one group, and the sample included 2313 adolescents between 12 and 18 years of age from public and private schools. A subscale of the Child and Adolescent Assessment System was used to assess substance use and Universal Age I-E-12 to measure religious involvement. (3) Results: The findings suggest that the intrinsic orientation of religiousness (β = −0.048, p &lt; 0.014), age (β = 0.374, p &lt; 0.000), gender (β = 0.039, p &lt; 0.040), and ethnic identity (β = 0.051, p &lt; 0.008) have significant correlations with substance use. (4) Conclusions: The intrinsic orientation of religion is a relevant variable associated with consumption due to its non-instrumental characteristics of religion and practices aimed at self-exploration and self-knowledge that favor the subjective well-being of individuals, which could prevent drug use from becoming an alternative for dealing with conflicts in the children and young population of this region of Latin America.

Assessing the prevalence of refractive errors and accuracy of vision screening by schoolteachers in Liberia.

BackgroundEvidence indicates that school-based vision screening by trained teachers is an effective way of identifying and addressing potential vision problems in schoolchildren. However, inconsistencies have been reported in both the testing methods and accuracy of the screeners. This study assessed the prevalence of refractive errors and accuracy of screening by teachers in Grand Kru County, Liberia.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of data from four schools where, in February 2019, children were screened for refractive errors by trained teachers and then re-examined by ophthalmic technicians. One row of five optotypes of the Snellen 6/9 (0.2 logMar) scale (tumbling E chart) was used at a distance of 3 m. The prevalence of visual impairment and associations with sex, age and school were explored. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were calculated.ResultsData were available for 823 of 1095 eligible children with a mean age of 13.7 y (range 5–18) and male:female ratio of 1:0.8. Poor vision was identified in 24 (2.9%) children with no differences by either sex or age but small differences by school. Screening by teachers had a sensitivity of 0.25 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.077 to 0.423) and a specificity of 0.996 (95% CI 0.992 to 1.000). Positive and negative predictive values were 0.667 (95% CI 0.359 to 0.975) and 0.978 (95% CI 0.968 to 0.988), respectively. The results were influenced by a high number of misclassifications in one of the four schools.ConclusionsTeachers can be trained to conduct vision screening tests on schoolchildren to an acceptable level of accuracy, but strong monitoring and quality assurance systems should be built into screening programmes from the onset. In settings like Liberia, where many children do not attend school regularly, screening programmes should extend to community platforms to reach children out of school.

A Comparative Study to assess the behavioral problems of school children among three generation family and nuclear family in selected community, Thrissur

A comparative study to assess the behavioral problems of school children among three generation family and nuclear family in selected community, Thrissur. The objectives of the study were to assess the behavioral problems of school children among three generation family and nuclear family, compare the behavioral problems of school children among three generation family and nuclear family and associate the behavioral problems of school children with their selected demographic variables. The conceptual framework utilized in this study was Ludwig Von Bertalanffy General System Theory. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the samples. The participants were 100 children in the age group of 6-10 years, out of which, 50 were in three generation family and 50 were in nuclear family who fulfilled the inclusion criteria at Thrikkur Panchayath, Thrissur. The tool consisted of structured questionnaire to collect demographic data include age of child, gender, religion, occupation of father, occupation of mother, number of siblings, birth order of the child and modified behavior rating scale of Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment (ASEBA) and Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI) was used to assess the behavioral problem of children. Reliability and validity of the tool was established. The pilot study was done for 10 subjects and found to be feasible. The main study was conducted from 10th February to 7th March 2020.The study findings revealed that in three generation family majority 92% of children had no behavioral problems and only 8% of children had mild behavioral problems. While in nuclear family, 36% of children had no behavioral problems, 52% of children had mild behavioral problems and 12% of children had moderate behavioral problems. The mean score of the behavioral problems in three generation family and in nuclear family was 19.80 and 56.54 respectively. Comparison of behavioral problems, p value of behavioral problem was 0.000 which was less than 0.05 (p value &lt; 0.05). These findings revealed a significant difference in the behavioral problem of school children among three generation family and nuclear family. Association of behavioral problems of school children with their demographic variables revealed that there was an association of behavioral problems of school children with occupation of mother in three generation family.

Psychological and pedagogical support for students in the context of digitalization of the educational environment: analysis of the current state

Digitalization of education has led to the need to develop new means of psychological and pedagogical support for modern schoolchildren, focused on the formation of key competencies in demand in a rapidly changing world. In order to identify teachers&amp;apos; ideas about the problems of schoolchildren and the means used to support primary school students (grades 5-8), a survey of teachers was conducted at the first stage of the study. The total sample consisted of 788 respondents and is represented by teachers with different work experience in the general education system; with different levels of education; teaching subjects that cover all subject areas. The collected empirical material is systematized using the methods of factor analysis and discourse analysis. As a result of the study, the state of the real practice of psychological and pedagogical support of students in modern schools of megalopolis and rural areas with different levels of digitalization of the educational environment is characterized; groups of problems of adolescents are systematized, which, according to the respondents, have a significant impact on their development in the conditions of digitalization of general education; it is found that teachers identify problem-solving tools and means of supporting schoolchildren in the process of solving them.The results obtained confirm the importance of the implementation of psychological and pedagogical support as the most important pedagogical means of professional activity of a teacher in the conditions of digitalization of education; they are of practical importance for the actualization of humanistic interaction between a teacher and a student in the process of joint search for solutions to problems significant for a student in a digital educational environment.

The Effect of Feeding Patterns on the Nutritional Status of Elementary School Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic In Tuban Regency, East Java

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic, which was discovered in December 2019, impacts all aspects of life, such as health, economy, social, culture, education, and community welfare. Increased unemployment, which results in poverty during the pandemic, can affect children's welfare, such as feeding patterns and nutrition, health, environmental sanitation, and child protection. Before the pandemic, nutritional problems in school children were still relatively high in Indonesia, which is likely to worsen during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to determine the effect of feeding patterns on the nutritional status of elementary school children during the COVID-19 pandemic in Tuban Regency, East Java. Methods: The method used is observational analytic with a cross-sectional approach, which uses secondary data, namely reports of weight and height measurements before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and uses primary data, namely the questionnaire instrument. The sampling technique used is Total Sampling. The statistical test of the study used the Wilcoxon Test and Linear Regression. Results: From the results of the Wilcoxon statistical test, it was found that p(sig) 0.996 in the trial of differences in feeding patterns before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Then the results were obtained from a linear regression test with p(sig) 0.000 to determine the effect of feeding patterns on the nutritional status of elementary school children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: The study results showed no differences in the feeding patterns of elementary school children before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and the influence of feeding patterns on the nutritional status of elementary school children during the COVID-19 pandemic in Tuban Regency, East Java.

Effects of a Healthy Habit Promotion Strategy on Colombian Schoolchildren

Chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCD) show an increasing tendency, especially in low- and medium-income countries. It is necessary to develop and evaluate strategies to strengthen healthy habits at an early age in these countries. Objective: To determine the effect of the health promotion strategy “United for Healthier Kids” (U4HK) on health lifestyle habits of a group of Colombian schoolchildren for the 2018-2020 period. Materials and methods: This quasi-experimental study features treatment and control groups and pre- and post-intervention measurements. The study involved 1,011 schoolchildren between six and twelve years old from seven rural and urban schools of the Sabana Centro region of Colombia. We used the Healthy Habits Measurement Tool, previously validated in Colombia. Results: When comparing within and between groups, the UHK strategy showed statistically significant differences in healthy habits (p &lt; 0.05) related to nutrition and physical activity in schoolchildren. Conclusions: The U4HK strategy had a positive effect and impact on the schoolchildren’ healthy habits, especially in the ‘chooses to drink water’ and ‘moves more’ components. There were statistically significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) between groups in four out of the five categories: drinks more water, chooses nutritios and varied options, eats and cooks as a family, and moves more. The U4HK strategy responds to current and future health problems in schoolchildren and helps prevent chronic diseases. It could be replicated in similar populations.

School performance and undetected and untreated visual problems in schoolchildren in Ireland; a population-based cross-sectional study

This study explored the association between children’s vision and their school academic progress as reported by parents/guardians. Participants were 1,612 schoolchildren (722 6-7-year-olds, 890 12-13-year-olds) in randomly selected schools in Ireland. In advance of data collection, parents/guardians reported school performance as (a) much better than classmates (high-performance) (b) about the same as classmates (average-performance) (c) not as well as classmates (low-performance). Measurements included logMAR monocular visual acuities (with spectacles if worn, and pinhole) in the distance (3 m) and near (40 cm); the amplitude of accommodation; stereoacuity, colour vision assessment, and cyclopleged autorefraction. Controlling for confounders, children presenting with visual impairment (vision poorer than 0.3logMAR (6/12) in the ‘better eye’), amblyopia (‘lazy eye’), uncorrected refractive error (hyperopia ≥+3.50D and astigmatism ≥1.50DC), reduced for age ability to adjust focus from distance to near tasks (accommodation), impaired three-dimensional vision (stereoacuity), and defective colour vision were more likely to report low-performance in school. The majority of low-performing participants (68%) did not have an eye examination within the 12 months before data collection. Children with academic performance challenges ought to have a comprehensive eye examination, to detect potential vision problems for early intervention minimising any negative impact they may have on educational outcomes.

Prevalence of clinical-level emotional/behavioral problems in schoolchildren during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Japan: A prospective cohort study.

BackgroundSeveral empirical studies have investigated negative mental health outcomes related to the spread of infectious diseases, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). However, little is known about children's emotional/behavioral problems, especially externalizing problems, during such situations. This prospective cohort study aimed to investigate pandemic‐related emotional/behavioral problems and their risk factors among schoolchildren in Japan.MethodsA total of 4800 parents with children in grades 1−12 participated in a two‐wave longitudinal survey. Wave 1 and Wave 2 were conducted on March 4−8 and May 15−18, 2020, respectively. Survey items included demographic information, parental depression, children's diagnoses of neurodevelopmental disorders, the total length of school closure, and emotional/behavioral problems. Children's emotional/behavioral problems were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), which has cutoff points to differentiate clinical‐level problems, which were the primary focus of this study.ResultsThe proportions of clinical‐level problems were higher at Wave 2 (emotional symptoms = 24.8%, conduct problems = 22.7%, hyperactivity/inattention = 36.8%, peer relationship problems = 36.2%, and lack of prosocial behavior = 23.5%) compared to Wave 1. Lower grade‐level and lower annual family income predicted the increased proportions of children's clinical‐level emotional symptoms, hyperactivity/inattention, and prosocial behavior at Wave 2. The total length of school closure was not a significant predictor of subsequent emotional/behavioral problems. The highest proportion of clinical‐level problems at Wave 2 for the four SDQ subscales was observed in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.ConclusionsThe number of schoolchildren with severe emotional/behavioral problems increased during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Appropriate prevention and early intervention programs should be provided, especially for children who are in lower grade levels, have low family incomes, or have neurodevelopmental disorders.